In 2018, a Coast Guard family found themselves drawn to the enchanting city of Wilmington, NC—where our stunning coastlines, rich history, and vibrant community would inevitably capture their hearts. Over the next six years, Kate and Zac Hubbell's love for the city grew, igniting a passion for hospitality and design that had always been at the core of their travels across the United States. They were inspired everywhere they went by creating warm, inviting spaces that made friends and family feel truly at home.
This deep connection to Wilmington eventually birthed an exciting new venture: The Palms of Wilmington. The vision was clear from the start—to craft a unique short-term rental experience that combined modern sophistication with a relaxed, mid-century-inspired aesthetic. When they stumbled upon a property nestled in the heart of the city, they instantly recognized its potential. What began as a dream soon transformed into a reality, and The Palms of Wilmington became something truly special—an inviting retreat that reflects their love for the city and their passion for creating unforgettable spaces.
What makes The Palms unique?
The Palms brings a southern-coastal-inspired, mid-century modern aesthetic that is sleek, minimal, and refreshingly different. The clean lines, thoughtfully curated decor, and tropical vibe make it feel like a private oasis rather than just another rental. Today, The Palms of Wilmington reflects our vision for hospitality—where modern style meets tropical chic. We're grateful for every guest who walks through our doors and look forward to continuing to share this space with travelers from all over.
What inspired the design of The Palms of Wilmington?
Having spent years traveling and immersing ourselves in different architectural styles, we're drawn to the timeless elegance of mid-century design and the clean sophistication of modern aesthetics. We designed The Palms of Wilmington with a blend of style, comfort, and relaxation.
What are some of your favorite features?
Our custom hand-painted murals add a one-of-a-kind charm. Inside the home, these artistic touches create a stylish and inviting atmosphere, while outside, our large pelican mural in the backyard, located near the fire pit, serves as the perfect photo opportunity, a stunning backdrop for capturing special memories. The geometric design of our murals is not just about shapes and colors, it reflects our love for the beauty of the Wilmington coast.
The fully fenced backyard is a private retreat featuring loungers, hammock chairs, a covered grilling area, Adirondack chairs around the fire pit, a private 7-person hot tub, and a shed full of games—perfect for unwinding and making memories. The open-concept kitchen is fully stocked and designed for gathering—ideal for cooking, sipping drinks, and enjoying great conversation in the dining and living areas.
The king suite offers modern decor, an ensuite "Hollywood" bathroom, and direct hot tub access, creating the ultimate space for relaxation. A restful night's sleep is essential, and we made sure every bed at The Palms is as plush, soft, and inviting as possible. With high-quality linens and comfortable mattresses, our bedrooms are designed to feel like a true retreat. From murals to luxurious amenities, we've created a space where every moment feels special.
What makes it the perfect spot for guests looking to relax and explore Wilmington?
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Palms of Wilmington is our prime central location. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun at the beach, dive into Wilmington's rich history, or enjoy the vibrant downtown scene, everything is just a short drive away.
This ideal positioning allows guests to explore all that Wilmington offers without long commutes—giving you more time to enjoy your vacation. You can do it all with ease and return to the comfort and tranquility of The Palms. After a day of exploring, guests can unwind in the private hot tub, lounge in the spacious backyard, or enjoy a cozy evening by the fire pit. Our stylish and thoughtfully designed home provides a peaceful retreat while keeping you close to Wilmington's best experiences. The Palms of Wilmington is the perfect home base for relaxation and exploration.
What kind of experience do you want guests to have when they walk into The Palms?
Our goal was to design a space that feels like a true getaway—where guests can soak in Wilmington's coastal charm while enjoying a fresh, modern, and memorable setting. Whether sipping coffee in a sunlit space, unwinding in the private hot tub, or simply embracing the peaceful ambience, The Palms of Wilmington offers an ordinary getaway. We hope our guests feel as inspired by this space as we were in creating it. We take pride in minimalism and cleanliness to ensure we provide a five-star experience for every guest so they feel at home while exploring Wilmington.
What are a few of your favorite things to do and places to visit in Wilmington?
We love life near and on the water. Kate's favourite thing is grabbing a coffee and heading to the beach to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic while searching for shark teeth. Together, we enjoy exploring the beauty of the marshes via paddle board. Our two boys, Wyatt and Jaxon, enjoy surfing at Wrightsville Beach. As a family, we love inshore and offshore fishing, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway by boat, and anchoring at Palm Tree Island, Mason's Inlet, and Masonboro Island. Walking "The Loop" at Wrightsville Beach and the Wilmington Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River is another one of our favorite things to do. You cannot beat those coastal views and scenic spots. When visiting Wilmington, we recommend our guests explore the city's rich history, including Airlie Gardens, Battleship North Carolina, and Bellamy Mansion.
For more information or book for your next retreat at The Palms of Wilmington follow them on Instagram.
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